What is Patchouli?

When we hear the word patchouli, most people make a funny face. "What is that?" - they wonder. It is quite normal not to know the names of all the flowers that surround us however, if you don't know what patchouli is, don't worry, in this article we reveal everything about it, as well as which are the best perfumes with patchouli.

What is patchouli?

Patchouli, (Pogostemon cablin) is a plant of Indonesian origin that, thanks to its strong and intense scent, has become one of the most exquisite ingredients in the world of perfumery. It is not only a plant used for perfume but has an interesting and exciting history behind behind it.

The use of this floral scent goes back many centuries to when the silk merchants from the East wrapped their luxurious and delicate fabrics in dried patchouli leaves so that they would not spoil or lead to their discovery during transport to Western countries.

Since the journey to the West was long and the patchouli leaves have an enveloping and intense fragrance to them; the fabrics were impregnated in it, so it was inevitable to smell the scent of patchouli when wearing silk garments. This is how patchouli began to be associated with luxury and exclusivity.

From the 18th century this fragrance began to become more popular in the West, extending its use to other areas such as masking odours or incorporating it into essential oils. It also became a symbol of the hippy movement that took place in the 60s and 70s of the last century.

Today the use of this scent is widespread in the world of fragrance and perfumery. Due to its great personality and the richness and complexity that this scent brings to a fragrance. It is a key ingredient in perfumes belonging to the Chypre olfactory family. The scent of patchouli is earthy, with nuances of wood, cocoa and tobacco almost similar to notes of sandalwood oil.